by mr_ash_37 » Thu Apr 04, 2013 6:06 pm
Munros included on this walk: Beinn Bhuidhe
Date walked: 02/04/2013
Time taken: 7 hours
Ascent: 1000m
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Before I start my short report, a few firsts for me....
- first walk of 2013 ( at last !!!! )
- first solo Munro
- first taste of Kendal Mint Cake (lol lol)
I've been researching and checking out all the other WH reports on Beinn Bhuidhe and finally got out walking in 2013 Tuesday 2nd April 2013. No-one available to join me so decided to go it alone, I had been keeping a keen eye on the weather and knew no new snowfall in the previous couple of days, so thought it would be safe enough for a solo visit. So glad I took the plunge as it turned out the perfect day on many aspects including a successful solo trip and the weather was beautiful.
Left Ayrshire at 0600 and reached the car park at 0715, car park to myself and the weather was -2 in the glen car park. Quickly got kitted up and left the car at 0730. I was quickly welcomed by the heeland coo's just at the brewery both of which were beautiful views and stopped to take some pics, in fact I could not stop taking pics all of the walk in and up the glen as so many stunning natural views, scenery and wildlife !
Due to this I took about 90 mins to reach the gorge just at the old cottage. Stopped for a very quick refresh and more pics, as the peeking view through to Ben Lui and Ben Oss were amazing at that time due to the immensely clear day. Then started up the gorge walk.
The gorge walk was fantastic and very satisfying as you follow close to the falls all the way up and at times you are higher up looking into the falls. Perfection. Path was OK also. Reached and passed the awkward stage without really realizing I had just passed it. Today the rocks at this stage were defrosted so that helped.
Upon reaching the top of the gorge I was greeted with the frozen waterfall which is stunning. At this stage the boggy ground was frozen so that helped a lot. The ascent now began to get steep and the snow layer kicked in so it was pretty heavy going at this point and tiredness kicked in quickly. However the views ahead keep you going as you begin to view the goal.
I picked my lunch spot at the base of the final ascent, the steep but stunning gully. I was so helped by the previous walkers footsteps, so thanks everyone before me. After a spot of lunch, I got the crampons and ice axe out and thoroughly enjoyed the climb up the gully to reveal the small ridge walk to the summit. Very windy at this point however not dangerous.
Enjoyable ascent to up the ridge and reached the summit with ease, very rewarding summit and was not too cold so managed to spend some time enjoying the peace and views. Very clear day with a perfect view of the big man nevis and a very clear CMD.
I used the WH route for this outing which was easy to follow and very helpful and continued to use it for the descent. I followed the ridge about 300m past the point I joined the ridge and then steadily and steeply down. Sore on the knees and then the long walk in.
I will say the walk in is fantastic as there are no long straights to play with your mind, however on the way back not so good as tiredness kicks in.
Cant wait to get back out within the next week or two....
- Attachments
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- Heeland Coos and a ickle baby one
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- Reflection
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- Look at the clear water, beautiful
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- Bridge
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- B&W
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- Beautiful stroll in
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- First peek at Ben Lui through the glen
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- Ben Lui (left) and Ben Oss (right)
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- Waterfall
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- Beautiful waterfall pool
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- Frozen waterfall at top of gorge
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- Top of the gorge walk
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- Untouched snow drifts
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- Restaurant
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- Lunch restaurant choice....
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- The gully path
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- Route to get here....
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- Route ahead
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- Route to the top
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- Summit
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- Summit chilled
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- Summit pic
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- Ben Nevis views
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- Descent route and views
Last edited by
mr_ash_37 on Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.